Due to the pandemic, so many people have found themselves working from home. As this trend looks to continue, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re able to work productively and manage your wellbeing effectively. To help with this we have pulled together our top working from home tips.
Find an effective workspace
Whilst it may be tempting to work from bed or the comfy sofa, that might not be the best for your productivity levels. It’s best to sit at a table or desk in a space with lots of natural light. If you are able to, it’s also better to work in another room which isn’t your bedroom. This way your mind can make a clear distinction between your rest and workspace.
Create a morning routine
Although working from home means you get more of a lie-in as you don’t need to undergo that painful commute, we don’t recommend crawling out of bed 10 minutes before you’re due to start work. By getting up at least an hour before you start work, it gives you time to wake up properly and prepare for the day ahead. Always be sure to change out of your pyjamas to help you adopt a professional mindset. It might also be useful to jot down a to-do list to help provide focus to your day.
Limit distractions at home
If you are working from home with friends or family around, we know it can be distracting. It’s key to set ground rules with those around you. Negotiate quiet times, especially if you’re working in the same room as others, and try to treat the space as an office to set the tone. This will help massively with productivity and focus levels.
Try to ignore social media
With your line manager not in eyes view, it’s easy to get distracted by social media. If you find your social media usage is increasing since working from home, it’s time to be strict with yourself! Firstly, turn off all notifications, as this will mean you won’t be reaching for your phone every time you hear a ping. We also recommend leaving your phone in another room to stop you from checking your social channels all the time.
Make sure you take a lunch break
Whilst you should be taking regular breaks, it’s super important to take a proper lunch break as well. When working from home, it’s easy to forget our usual office habits and just power through and work without giving yourself time to breathe. Scheduling a lunch break away from your screen will boost productivity levels but also do wonders for your mental wellbeing as well.
Go outside
When working from home, it’s easy to fall into the trap of not leaving your house. It’s essential to get out and move your body. Movement helps with your blood circulation and the fresh air and natural light will also help to relieve stress. And remember the less stressed you are, the more productive you are going to be!
